Attachment for line casting machines



Aug. 11, 1953 J. F. HAZZARD ETAL ATTACHMENT FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES 7Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 2, 1950 PUMP LEI El? (l/v TE)? TYPE MACH/NE)PUMP LE (/5 PI/MP STOP LEVER Q METAL P07 INVENTORS J-OSEPH FHAzzA/w ByGENE R. BRUSSEA u 1 L- T- (OMPOSEDMATR/XL/NE l 1 I I L L -L V/SE JAWASSEMBLY 0L1, WM M ATTORNEYJ v7.55 CAP Aug. 11, 1953 J. F. HAZZARD ETALATTACHMENT FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 2, 1950PUMP LE VER PUMP sroP' LEVER R m U m E w D 0 wk u T2 W m 5 T w NZMMVV w.S s H E s s V% mm 6 m M M c a 1 0 MM M L M 5 E A J W S. m M 4. M Z? m Mm/ M v w W 5 3/ W //6 w Umm m w v 6 W a A7 A a a l?! 4 L ms T M P \0 2 XI 7 m m E, I 6 c w 1 u; 4 w w 8 a Q L a L 7 .l 2 MMR z c 0 WW T a m I Ws m M i 0 w m M 2 MHW\/ ou w E a M M w M M 1. WW. E 2 0 B m CM V ATTOR'NE Kr g- 1953 J. F. HAZZARD ET AL ,4 6

ATTACHMENT FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Filed Aug. 2, 1950 7 Sheets-Sheet 4W6 E J]? W EMBL Y COMFOSED MOVABLE ZZZ T mm: Ill-5E MATRIX LINE SCRE W 7V/SE W V/SE FRAME INVENTORS JsEPH/FHAZZARD BY GENE 1 Emma/w pmealme m AT TOR/VS Ya Aug. 11, 1953 J. F. HAZZARD ET AL ATTACHMENT FOR LINECASTING MACHINES '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Aug. 2, 1950 Aug. 11, 1953 J.F. HAZZARD ET AL 2,543,426

ATTACHMENT FORLINE CASTING MACHINES Filed Aug. 2, 1950 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6F HIIIIIIHH mm BA /3 44 58 W55 LOCK- 5 PUMP (ONTROL LEI/ER 57 RIGHT HANDV1 LOCKING STUD //VDE/V T/O/V 61 /DE 58 PUMP CON TROL L E l/El?Sf/IFTLEVE/P J 5 [fix 1 7 ,7, I, /V, I p 1 mm 5/11 A 7' TORNE 5 Aug. 11,1953 7 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed Aug. 2, 1950 R l1- V/SE LOCK/N6 STUD D W 5m E/ s K 6 3 W w 5 M. w H./ .6 R. 6

III a o w m a a 4 i .4 w n 5 m 6 Q I LII L m H L IIIH rr a 9 T M 2 m m/ww I u a M .w w u A .1 I E 2 H 5 2 2 N s 2 T W a x m Q Q 6 M c 0 m CM,423 r /22 L ,J A

FIRST ELEVATOR JAWS m D m w M f u RUE EH U L V m II II I I| V 9 HR E TbsY /\T B a E W m am a ma T m a m M C MOLD DISK 0M, WMQTWM ATToR/vEKrPatented Aug. 11, 1953 ATTACHMENT FOR LINE CASTING MACHINES Joseph F.Hazzard and Gene R. Brusseau, Minneapolis, Minn.

Application August 2, 1950, Serial No. 177,266

9 Claims. 1

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in line castingmachines, and more particularly to a novel mechanism for allowing anoverlength line of assembled matrices and spacebands to freely enterbetween the usual vise jaws of the machine and descend into propercasting position in alignment with the mold, even though theoveralllength of the assembled line may exceed the maximum allowed linelength for which the machine has been set.

In the operation of line casting machines such as the well knownLinotype and Intertype machines, it is common knowledge thatconsiderable waste is often experienced in the use of matrices,

because of damage imparted thereto and to the equipment, should theoverall length of an assembled line to be inserted into the machineexceed the maximum allowed line length. Under such conditions, excessiveforce may be applied to the assembled line in an attempt to force itinto proper casting position between the vise jaws, because of theinability of the movable vise jaw to yield sufiiciently and allow theoverlength line to freely descend into proper casting position becausedistortion of the lower outwardly projecting lugs of the end matrices.Also if the assembled line does not descend into alignment with themold, the lower projecting lugs of the matrices may not enter thegrooves in the mold, whereby they may be damaged to the extent that theymay have to be replaced, and damage to parts of the machine may alsoresult. The matrices are rather expensive, and such periodic replacementof matrices may therefore materially increase the maintenance cost ofthe machine.

An object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a mechanismfor automatically allow.- ing the so-called movable vise jaw to yieldwith respect to its complemental fixed jaw within certain limits,whereby an assembled line whose overall length may slightly exceed themaximum line length for which the machine has been set, may be freelyinserted between the vise jaws into proper casting position relative tothe mold, with the assurance the matrices of the assembled line are notlikely to become damaged or distorted when inserted into positionbetween the faces of a novel backing element for the movable jaw of themachine, and means for automatically controlling the action of saidbacking means, thereby to eliminate forcing of a tight line, i. e., asfor example, an assembled line of matrices and spacebands which mayexceed in length the maximum line length for which the machine has beenset, thereby to permit free insertion of such an overlength line intoproper alignment with the mold.

A further object resides in the novel construction of the backing meansfor the movable vise.

ment for a line casting machine comprising a pair of jaws for supportingan assembled line of matrices and spacebands in position adjacent to themold while casting a slug from the assembled line, one of said jawsbeing fixed and the other relatively movable within certain limits, saidinvention being directed more particularly to the construction of thebacking element for the movable jaw and the operating means for saidbacking element, said operating means permitting the assembled line ofmatrices and spacebands, if within the allowed maximum line length, todescend to the proper casting position between said jaws andsimultaneously render the backing means eiiective to resist relativemovement of the movable jaw, whereby the assembled line may be?justified, and the pump actuated to force a charge of metal into themold cavity.

Other objects of the invention reside in the unique construction of thebacking means for resisting outward movement of the movable jaw; in theprovision of means for quickly condensing and gauging the overall lengthof the assembled line of matrices and spacebands, and automaticallyreleasing the pump in the event the line is Within maximum line lengthfor which the machine has been set, or interrupting pump operation inthe event said assembled line length exceeds said maximum; in theprovision of means for auto matically withdrawing the backing elementfrom its operative position with respect to the movable jaw, thereby topermit said jaw to yield to the pressure of the overlength line withoutcausing damage to the parts; in the provision of a pump control leverhaving a yieldable arm portion for actuating the pump stop lever, andwhereby said arm portion may yield during operation of the machine,should the pum stop lever for some reason become inoperative during acycle of operation; in the provision of a warning signal for indicatingpump failure during operation of the machine; and in the provision ofsuch an attachment which is simple and inexpensive in construction, andwhich may readily be attached to a conventional line casting machinewithout requiring any material alterations to be made therein.

These and other objects of the invention and the means for theirattainment will be more apparent from the following description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings.

In the accompanying drawings there has been disclosed a structuredesigned to carry out the various objects of the invention, but it is tobe understood that the invention is not confined to the exact featuresshown, as various changes may be made within the scope of the claimswhich follow.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a plan view of the casting mechanism of a Linotype machineshowing the invention embodied therein, with an assembled line supportedbetween the vise jaws;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view illustrating the means for automaticallyapprlsing the operator of pump failure, should the pump for some reasonfail to function;

Figure 3 is a detail sectional plan view on the line 33 of Figure '7,showing the means for allowing an overlength line to enter between thejaws, the backing element for the jaw being shown in inoperativeposition;

Figure 4 is a view similar to Figure 3 showing the vise jaw backingelement in operative position, as when the assembled line is withinmaximum line length;

Figure 5 is a detail view on the line 25-45 of Figure 4, showing an end.view of the vise cap and the vise jaw supporting block;

Figure 6 is a view showing the front of the vise and illustrating thejustification bar for driving the wedges between the matrices to expandthe line.

Figure 7 is a view substantially on the line l-l of Figure 3, showingthe means for automatically preventing operation of the pump in theevent of an overlength assembled line;

Figure 8 is a detail sectional plan view illus trating the indentionmeans associated with the movable jaw for accommodating a shorter linelength;

Figure 9 is a detail sectional elevation on the line 8-9 of Figure 8,showing the parts before justification of the line;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 showing the position of theparts after justifica ion;

Figure 11 is a detail sectional view on the line Il-H of Figure 9;

Figure 12 is a detail sectional view showing the abutment slidepositioned to allow the movable jaw to yield, as when the assembled lineexceeds the maximum length for which the machine may be set, and wherebythe pump is held inoperative;

Figure 13 is an enlarged detail sectional view of the assembled line ofmatrices and spacebands in its descended position before advancement ofthe mold;

Figure 14 is a view similar to Figure 13 with the mold advanced tocasting position;

Figure 15 is a view similar to Figures 9 and 10, with the slidedescended for the purpose of indention or reduction of line length;

Figure 16 is a detail sectional view showing the invention applied tothe pump lever stop member of a conventional Intertype line castingmachine;

Figure 17 is a detail sectional view on the line l'il1 of Figure 16; and

Figures 18 and 19 illustrate a vise jaw backing means wherein the lineindention means shown in the previous figures has been omitted.

To afford a clearer understanding of the present invention, there isillustrated in the accompanying drawings, particularly Figures 1, 3 and4, a portion of the supporting frame of a conventional line castingmachine, designated by the numeral 2. This frame is of conventional andwell known construction and it therefore need not be herein illustratedor described in detail.

Figure 1 illustrates portions of the casting mechanism of the machine,including the usual forwardly extending hubs 3 and 4 in which lockingstuds 5 and 6 are secured, as is well known in the art. The viseassembly of the machine, generally designated by the numeral 1, includesthe vise cap 8 on which is mounted locking screws 9 andll,,respectively, as will be understood by reference to Figures 1 and 6.Each locking screw is provided at its outer end with a slidably mountedbolt or rod 12 to facilitate rotating said bolts when securing the viseassembly in casting position with respect to the machine frame.

To thus secure the vise assembly in fixed position relative to themachine frame, the locking screws 9 and H are threadedly engaged withthe vise cap 8, and their inner terminals are received in socketsprovided in the adjacent ends of the studs 5 and 6, and with the wallsof which they are adapted for interlocking engagement, as shown at I9 inFigures 3, 4 and 12. p

In Figure 1 the casting machine mechanism. is shown in normalinoperative position, with the assembled line spaced from the mold. Thevise jaw M, as illustrated in Figure 6, comprises a body portion I5which is secured to the frame portion N5 of the vise assembly bysuitable means, not shown. The movable vise jaw 43 is mounted forlimited movement relative to fixed jaw M, as will subsequently bedescribed. 7

One of the important features of the present invention resides in theconstruction and arrangement of the movable vise jaw l3, whereby it mayyield under certain conditions to permit an assembled line of matricesand spacebands, which may be slightly oversize in length, to freelyenter between the vise jaws to its proper position in alignment with themold. Thevise jaw assembly is mounted on a suitable frame 11 having itslower end pivotally supported on. a shaft 20 of the machine frame. Theusual mold disk I8 is shown rotatably mounted on a stud I9, indicated inFigure 6, whereby the disk may be rotated to bring the proper size moldinto alignment with the metal pot mouthpiece 2|, shown in Figures 13 and14.

The mold disk [8 is movable laterally to move the mold 22, securedthereto, into casting position with respect to the assembled line. Whenthe mouthpiece 2| of the metal pot is moved .to the position shown inFigure 14, the plunger 23 of the pump, generally designated by thenumeral 30, is actuated to force a portion of the molten metal in themetal pot into the mold to cast a slug,

The operating mechanism for the pump is shown in part in Figures 1 and2, and comprises the usual cam 24 having a depression 25 in itsperiphery. A roller 26 is shown mounted in the terminal of a laterallyextending arm provided on the pump lever 21, and is arranged to ride onthe periphery of the cam 24, as shown in Figure 2. When the recess 25 inthe cam 24 passes the roller 26, the roller drops into said recess,whereby the pump lever 21 is actuated by the action of a spring 28, tocause the pump 36 to operate, provided the assembled line of matricesand spacebands has been properly placed between the vise jaws so thatthe mold cavity is aligned therewith.

In Figure 1, the numeral 29 represents the usual metal pot provided witha cover 3| and having an opening 32 therein for receiving the plungerrod 33 of the pump plunger 23. The cam 25 is shown mounted upon theusual operating shaft 34 of the machine. A second cam 35 is similarlysecured to the shaft 34 and has a projecting lug 36 on its periphery, asshown in Figure 2, which serves an important function in the operationof the present invention, as will next be described.

The invention as herein disclosed, includes a warning device adapted toautomatically operate and indicate to the operator each time the pumpfails, which may result from various causes, as is well known in theart. To thus apprise the operator of each pump failure, a warningcircuit, generally designated by the numeral 31, is shown provided witha normally closed circuit breaking switch 38 having a movable contact 39positioned in the path of the lug 36 of the cam 35, when the pump lever21 is in its normal position, as shown in full lines in Figure 2. Awarning device, here shown in the form of a small light bulb 4|, iselectrically connected in the circuit 31, and under normal operatingconditions is on, or lighted.

For convenience, the switch 38 may be mounted on the hub of the pumplever 21, whereby when said lever is in its inoperative position, themovable contact 39 of the switch is positioned in the path of the lug36. Duing each normal cycle of operation, the pump lever 21 is swungdownwardly to the dotted line position shown in Figure 2, when itsroller 26 drops into the depression 25 in the periphery of the cam 24,provided the pump lever has been released for operation, as willsubsequently be described. When the pump lever moves to the dotted lineposition and actuates the pump, the switch 38 is swung upwardly, wherebyits contact 39. is out of the path of the cam lug 36, and the warninglight 4| then remains on without interruption. Should the pump lever 21for some reason fail to operate during an operating cycle of themachine, the pump lever will remain in its full line position shown inFigure 2, whereby the lug 36 will engage and actuate the contact 39 andmomentarily break the circuit to the warning light 4|, and therebyapprise the operator that the pump has failed to operate.

The above described mechanism forms an important part of the presentinvention and operates in conjunction with the movable vise jaw |3 tointerrupt the casting operation in the event the assembled line beinginserted between the vise jaws is relatively longer than the maximumline length for which the machine has been set. It is also to beunderstood that the warning circuit may be varied in numerous wayswithout departing from the scope of the invention.

Another important feature of the present invention resides in the novelconstruction and operation of the backing means for the movable jawwhich also controls the operation of the pump lever 21, whereby shouldan assembled line of greater length than the maximum line length forwhich the machine has been set be inserted between the vise jaws, themovable vise jaw may move to a position to render the backing meansineffective to cause the release of the pump lever 21, whereby thewarning circuit 31 may function and apprise the operator of such pumpfailure, as hereinbefore stated.

The backing element, generally designated by the numeral 42, is in theform of an elongated member which is slidably mounted in alongitudinally extending recess 43 provided in the periphery of theright-hand vise locking stud 5, as best illustrated in Figure 4. Theslide 42 has a projection 44 on its outer face adapted to be moved intoor out of alignment with an abutment face 45 carried by a slide 46,mounted for vertical sliding movement on the movable jaw I3, asindicated by the full and dotted lines in Figure 15. A spring element,generally designated by the numeral 40, retains the slide 42 in therecess 43, as will be understood by reference to Figures 3 and '1. Thespring element 40 may be secured in place by suitable means, such asscrews 40'.

The slide 46, which is utilized only when the indention mechanism isemployed, is of U- shaped cross section, and comprises spaced walls 41and 48 tied together by a cross wall 49, as best shown in Figures 8, 9,10, 11 and 15. An upright stud 5| is shown secured in the base portion52 of the usual vise jaw block 53, and cooperates with an outwardlyturned flange 54 on the slide 46 to retain said slide in proper positionon the vise jaw I3. The cross wall 49 of the slide 46 has an opening 55therein adapted to receive the head 56 of an abutment screw or stud 51,carried in the front end portion 58 of a pump control lever, generallydesignated by the numeral 66. The lever 60 has a rearwardly extendingflexible arm portion 59, and a hub 6| for mounting it on a pivot 62received in threaded engagement with a fixed bracket 63 secured to theright hand vise locking stud 5.

The means provided for actuating the vise jaw backing element 42 is bestillustrated in Figures 3 and 4, and comprises a rod 64 having one endreceived in threaded engagement with a tubular supporting member orsleeve 65, slidable within a bore 66 provided in the vise locking stud5. A pin 61 is shown having a head 68 received in threaded engagementwith the slide 42, said pin also having a collar 69 adapted to be seatedagainst the slide 42 whereby the pin may be fixedly secured therein inthe position shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The reduced end portion of the pin 61 is received in aligned aperturesprovided in the tubular supporting element 65, whereby the slide 42 ismovable simultaneously with the rod 64. A suitable spring 1| is mountedwithin the bore 66 and has one end engaging the inner end of the tubularmember 65, and its opposite end the inner end of an anchor screw 12, theinner end of which is received in threaded engagement with the righthand vise locking stud 5, to secure said stud in fixed position in themachine frame 2.

As hereinbefore stated, the vise cap 8, when in operative position, issecured to the vise locking studs and 6' by manipulation of the of thescrews 9 and H are shown provided with means adapted for'interlockingengagement with the adjacent ends of their respective studs 5 and 6, ashereinbefore stated, and as indicated by the numeral ID in Figure-'3.

To assure accurate axial alignment of the screws 9 and -l;l with. theirrespective studs 5 and 6, the screws 9 and H are preferably providedwithcylindrical extensions adapted to be received in the ends' of the bores86 in. the studs 5- and 9, to serve as dowels to maintain the screws 9'and I l in true. axi'alalignment with the studs 5 and 6.

The opposite endof the rod 54 is shown. having an ofiset [6 providedwith a threaded terminalv 17' disposed in parallel relation to the rod64. As shown in Figure 3, the rod terminal 11 is secured to a spring:element 18 fixed to a portion [9 of the machine frame. The flexible endof the spring element l;8'is rearwardly bent to provide a stop 8|.which. normally engages a pin 82 carried by the relatively smaller arm83. of the usual pump stop lever 84. When the pump. stop lever is in itsnormal position, as shown in Figure 3, its outer end is positioned inthe path of a lateral projection 85 on the pump lever 21, wherebythepump lever is lockedv against operation.

Secured to the free end of the arm portion 59 of the pump control lever68, is a forked terminal element 86 which constantly engages the pin 82'in the pump stop lever '84, whereby the flexible arm portion 59 of the.pump control lever is constantly in operative engagement with the pumpstop lever 84. When the free end of member 18 is moved forwardly withthe rod 64, the stop' 8! moves out of the path of. the pin 82, wherebythe forked end of the arm portion 59 is released and may be swung fromthe position shown in Figure '3 to that shown in.Figure 4, whereby thepump stop lever 84 is actuated to release the pump lever 21. The forkedelement 8.8permits free swinging movement of the parts 86 and 82 onopposed arcs, as

will be understood by reference to Figures 3.

and 4.

'Means is provided for aXially translating the rod 64in its guides inthe right-hand vise looking stud 5, when the mold is moved to its normalnon-casting position, as illustrated in Figures 3. and 13. When sopositioned, the: spring:

element 18 at the rear end thereof: is positioned to secure the pumpstop lever 84' in position to prevent operation of the pump lever: 21.Suchaxial movement of the rod 84 is effected by movement of the molddisk slide 18 through a bracket 81 secured to the slide 18 by suitablebolts 88, as shown in Figure '7. The bracket 81 carries an abutmentscrew 89 whichis adjustable therein and has a lock nut 9| securing it inadjusted position.

Means is provided for operatively connecting the stop screw 89 with therod 64, and is here shown comprising a U-shaped member, generallydesignated by the numeral 92, having its rear leg 93' normally engagingthe offset rear'portion T8 of the rod 64, as shown in Figure 3. Theforward end 94 of the member 92 is shown extending outwardly into thepath .of thescrevv 8.9, and is engaged therewith. The spring H in"thestud 5 is constantly under compression and constantly holds the leg94 of the member 92 in engagement with the screw 89..

In Figure 13, the mold 22 is shown. in its normal non-casting position,wherein the first elevator jaws, indicated by the numerals 95 and. 96,are shown supporting an assembled line ofmatrices and spacebands inalignment with the mold, or, in other words, in the position assumed 1just prior to the mold moving into casting. engagement with theassembled line, shown in Figure 14. When the machine is at rest, themold is in its non-casting position, as shown inv Figure 13, and themouthpiece 2:] of the metal pot throat is spaced from the mold.

The mold then advances to casting position, followed by the mouthpiece2|, which moves into casting engagement with the mold when the lattercomes to rest, as shown in Figure 14. The line is then cast, provided ithas been properly positioned between the vise jaws. The bracket 8'I isshown provided with a rearwardly extending.-

cam-like projection 98 which serves to position:

the leg 940i the U-shaped member 92 in alignment with the screw 59, whenthe mold, disc slide is moved rearwardly, particularly when the machinehas been taken apart and is reassem:--

bled.

Another important feature of the present invention resides in the novelconstruction and:

operatic-11 of the backingmeans for the'movab'le vise jaws it, which issuch that when a line whose overall length may be relatively greaterthan the maximum line length for which the machine has been set, may inmost cases enter betweenthe jaws without causing damage to theequipment; Should the assembled line, however, exceed the maximum linelength of the machine, the movable vise jaw It may move to the positionshown in Figure 12, whereby the projection 45-91: on

' the slide 49 may pass the backing lug 44 on the slide 42. and thusprevent the rod '94 frombein longitudinally translated to effectactuation of the pump stop lever 84' from its locked position shown inFigure 3.

Such interruption of the rod 64 results because of the projection 49 onthe slide 42 engaging against the side of the abutment face 97, as shownin Figure 12. During each cycle of operation wherein the operationof'the pump lever '21 is interrupted, the warning circuit 5"! ismomentarily opened to cause the warning light to flicker and thusapprise the operator of such pump failure.

The present invention may therefore be termed a longline safetymechanism, as it positively prevents a long line inserted between thevise jaws from causing damage to the matrices' or' other parts of theequipment.

Means is provided for constantly retaining the vise jaw l8 in itscentered or normal position, and is shown comp-rising a small flatspring element 98, having one end secured to the vise cap 8 and itsopposite end yieldably engaging a portion 99 of the supporting block 53of the mov able vise jaw l3.

Means is also provided. for limiting the travel of the movable vise jawit in a direction away from its complemental fixed jaw l4, and is showncomprising a stud. 5552 mounted for sliding move.-

-ment in a guide sleeve I93 received in threaded opposite end of thetubular guide member I03 and is engaged by one end of a spring I06. Theopposite end of the spring I06 i seated against an abutment member I01,fixed to the stud I02 whereby the spring I06 constantly urges the studI02 in a direction towards the movable vise jaw I3, as shown in Figures9 and 10. When the assembled line has been properly positioned betweenthe vise jaws and with respect to the mold, it may be justified bymanipulation of the usual wedges I00, as is well known in the art.

In Figures 8 and 9, the assembled line is shown loosely positionedbetween the vise jaws, wherein it will be noted the movable vise jaw I3is spaced from the head 56 of the stud and from the end of the stud I02. It will also be noted that the projection 44 of the backing member42 is spaced from the abutment face 9! of the slide 46. The assembledline shown in Figures 8 and 9 is within the safe maximum line length forwhich the machine is set, whereby the slide or backing element 44 maymove into alignment with the abutment face 91, as shown in Figure 4.

Justification 0f the assembled line forces the wedges I08 between thematrices and expands the line in a lengthwise direction until themovable vise jaw reaches the limit of its movement, as a result of itsengagement with the backing lug 44 on the slide 42, as shown in Figure4. A stop screw I09 is shown adjustably mounted in the right hand viselocking stud 5, and has its inner end projecting above the bottom of therecess 43, thereby to provide a solid backing for the slide 42. A wearplate 43' may be placed in the bottom of the recess 43 to provide asmooth surface upon which the slide 42 may slide.

When an assembled line is delivered between the vise jaws which may beshorter than the spacing therebetween, requiring indention of the line,the slide 46 is moved downwardly from its position shown in Figures 9and 10, to the position shown in Figure 15, wherein the abutment face 45is aligned with the backing lug 44 of the slide 42. The line may then bejustified as before, whereby the movable jaw I3 is moved outwardly totake up the space between the abutment faces 44 and 45, and the spacebetween the end of the stud I02 and the extension II2 of the slide 46.

The indention of the line is controlled by the operator, and is showncomprising a small lever II3 provided at the outer end of the stud I02.The outer face of the nut I04 is shown provided with serraions I I4adapted to interlock with similar serrations on a nut H5, adjustablysecured to the outer threaded end portion I I6 of the stud I02, andsecured thereto by a lock nut I. See Figures 5, and 15. A lever H3 isprovided at the outer end of the stud I02 and preferably has twopositions corresponding to the upper and lower positions of the slide46, as shown in Figures 10 and 15. The collar I01 secured to the innerend of the rod I02 is shown having a pin II8 extending laterallytherefrom and received in a slot II9 provided in an offset portion I2Iof the lower portion of the slide 46, as will be understood by referenceto Figures 11 and 15.

The indention slide 46 may be omitted, if it is found unnecessary toindent the lines. When the slide 46 is eliminated, the adjusting screwI09, shown in Figures 9, l0 and 15, may be dispensed with, and in lieuthereof, an abutment screw I22 is adjustably secured in the adjacent endof the movable vise jaw I3, as shown in Figures 18 and 19. A lock nutI23 is received in threaded engagement with the abutment screw I22 tolock it in adjusted position on the vise jaw. The screw I22 preferablyhas an enlarged head I24 adapted to engage the projection 44 on thebacking slide 42, mounted in the right-hand vise locking stud 5. Thehead I24 is normally spaced from the abutment lug 44, as shown in Figure18, and the terminal I25 of the stud I26 is similarly spaced from thevise jaw I3. The stud I26 is similar to the stud I02, shown in Figures 9and 10, with the exception it does not have an operating handle I I3,such as the stud I02.

As hereinbefore stated, the invention herein disclosed may well betermed a long line safety mechanism, as it serves to prevent damage tomatrices and the equipment in the event a line whose overall length isrelatively greater than the maximum line length for which the machinehas been set. In conventional line casting machines, means is providedfor automatically preventing damage to the equipment in the event of ashort line, but so far as now known, there is no equipment obtainablefor use in connection with such machines for automatically interruptingthe machine and apprising the operator in the event that an overlengthline is inserted between the vise jaws.

In the normal operation of a conventional line casting machine, aso-called overlength line usually only slightly exceeds the maximumspacing between the jaws, whereby such a line may be forced partiallyinto position between the vise jaws. In so doing, however, the endmatrices may be seriously damaged and other equipment may be damaged.The present invention, as hereinbefore stated, substantially eliminatesall danger of damage to matrices and equipment by automaticallyinterrupting the normal operation of the machine and simultaneouslyapprises the operator that something is wrong.

The invention is also so designed that should an operator attempt toforce an overlength line between the vise jaws, the pump lever willremain locked against movement so long as the overall length line issupported between the vise jaws. The embodiment of the present inventionin a conventional line casting machine does not alter the operationthereof. It does not require the manipulation of additional controls, orother operating elements, with the exception of the small indentionlever II3, which is used only when the indention slide 46 is utilized.

In a normal cycle of operation, the operator manipulates the usual keysof the machine to select the required matrices and spacebands for agiven line. The line of matrices and spacebands is then delivered intothe first elevator jaws of the machine in the usual manner, which lowersthe assembled line into position between the vise jaws I3 and I4. Whenthe assembled line has been positioned between the vise jaws, assumingthat the line does not exceed the maximum line length for which themachine has been set, the movable jaw may engage the end matrices of theline under spring pressure, caused by the action of the spring I06because of the base 52 of the jaw I3 abuttingly engaging the screw I02,as shown in Figure 10. The mold then moves into casting position withrespect to the assembled line, as shown in Figure 14, and simultaneouslythe backing slide 42 is advanced to move the projection 44 thereof intoalignment with the abutment face 45 of the slide 46, provided theindention slide 46, shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, is utilized.

The backing slide 42 is advanced by the action of the spring II becauseof its connection therewith, as shown in Figure 3. The forward movementof the slide 42 from the position shown in Figure 3 to that shown inFigure 4, is commensurate with the movement of the mold disk slide I0,because the movement of the rod 64 is controlled by the movement of theslide 42 by reason of the leg 94 of the U-shaped member 92 beingretained in engagement with the abutment screw 89 by the spring I I.

It will thus be seen that with a normal line, when the mold 22 movesinto casting position with respect to the assembled line, the backinglug 44 on the slide 42 is automatically moved into alignment with theabutment face 91 of the slide 46, whereupon the spring element 18 at therear end of the rod 64 is actuated to move its free end out of the pathof the pin 82, as shown in Figure 4, whereby the pump stop lever 84 maybe swung out of looking engagement with the pump lever 21 to permit saidpump lever to be operated to force a portion of the metal in the metalpot into the mold cavity to complete a slug.

The pump control lever 60 may be actuated by swinging movement of itsarm portion 58, caused by the movable vise jaw I3 engaging the head 59of the stud 51 and imparting pivotal movement to the pump control lever.This is particularly true in line casting machines wherein the abutmenthead 56 is fixedly mounted on the arm portion 58'of the pump controlleverIiiJ.

In the operation of the machine wherein the abutment 56 is yieldablymounted in the arm portion 58, as shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, shouldthe stop 8| be in locked engagement with the pin 82 when the arm portion58 of the pump control lever 69 is actuated by the vise jaws I3, theflexible arm portion 59 of the pump control lever 69, if constructed asherein illustrated, may flex as indicated in dotted lines in Figure 1,to relieve the parts of excessive strains.

Under such conditions, it will be noted the spring element T8 isretained in the position shown in Figure 3, whereby the arm 59 is lockedagainst swinging movement in a direction to move the pump stop lever 84out of locking engagement with the pump lever 21 and thereby preventoperation of the pump lever. Simultaneously, the circuit'breaker 38 ofthe control circuit 31 is acmated by the lug 36on the cam to cause thewarning light 4| to flicker, or momentarily'become extinguished thusapprising the operator of the pump failure.

In Figures 16 and 17, the invention is shown applied to the pump stoplever of an Intertype line casting machine. The parts I21 andI28'represent portions of the machine frame and a bracket I29 is shownsecured thereto. The usual pump stop lever I3I is pivotally mounted onthe bracket I29 by a pivot I32, and its free end is normally positionedbeneath a projection l33 on the pump lever I34. A spring I35 is shownhaving. one end secured to the swinging end of the pump stop lever, andits opposite end to'a fixed clip, whereby the spring constantly tendstoswing the pump stop lever out of locking engagement with the pumplever.

The invention comprises a small bracket I39 secured to the pump stoplever I3I and having one end extending outwardly from said lever asshown. The projecting end of the bracket I36 has a slot I31 thereinadapted to receive the terminal I38 of a rod I39 corresponding tothe rod64 of Figure 3. A U-shaped member 92 is engaged with therod I39andfunctions in a I3 manner similar to the operation of thecorresponding member 94 shown in Figure 3.

The pump stop lever I3I is adapted to be automatically moved out oflocking engagement with the pump lever I34 by the spring I35, and intointerlocking engagement with the pump lever I34 by manipulation of theconical head I4I of a push rod I42, as shown in Figure 17.

In the structure disclosed in Figure 16, the pump stop lever I3I isadapted to be automatically moved into and out of locking engagementwith the pump lever I34 by longitudinal movement of the rod I39, theupper offset end portion thereof being engaged with the bracket I39.Thus when the rod I39 is moved in a forward direction, the pump stoplever I3I is swung out of locking engagement with the projection I33 ofthe pump lever I34, and when moved in a rearward direction, the pumpstoplever I3I is swung into looking engagement with the pump lever I34.Operation of the rod I39 is controlled by the length of the assembledline, which also controls the movement of the backing slide 42. In otherwords, if the maximum length of the assembled line inserted between thejaws is greater than the maximum line length allowed for the machine,the overlength line will cause the vise jaw I3 to move outwardly intothe path of the lug 44 of the backing slide 42, whereby the slide cannotmove into alignment with the vise jaw to actuate the pump stop lever andpermit the pump to operate.

The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness or"understanding only, and no unnecessary limitations should be understoodtherefrom, but the appended claims should 'be construed as broadly aspermissible in view of the prior art.

We claim as our invention:

1. The combination with a line casting machine comprising a mold, a molddisk slide, a metal pot, a pump having an operating lever, means foroperating the pump lever, a pump stop lever for normally locking thepump lever against movement, a vise jaw assembly including a fixed jawand: a relatively movable jaw, and avise locking stud. secured in themachine frame adapted to interlock with means on the vise jaw asembly tosecure said assembly in line casting position with respectto the mold,of a mechanism for preventing, operation of the pump in the event'thatan over-length line of matrices is inserted between the vise jaws, saidmechanismv including: means for normally locking the pump stop leveragainst movement, an element mounted for longitudinal sliding movementon the vise locking. stud and having an operative connection with saidlocking means, an: abutment on said element normally positioned out ofalignment with the movable vise jaw, said element also having anoperative connection with the mold disk slide whereby when a normallength line of matrices is inserted be tween the vise jaws and the molddisk slide. is moved into castin engagement with the mold, said elementvis actuated to move said abutment into: alignment with themovablevisejaw to provide a backing therefor, actuation of said element alsocausing said locking means: tube operated to effect the release of thepump stop lever and permit the pump tofunction, and means carried by themovable vise jaw and movable therewith into the path of saidabutment toprevent actuation of said element and the subsequent release of the pumpstop lever, shouldan over-length line of matrices be inserted betweenthe vise. jaws. 2. A mechanism as defined in claim 1, wherein a warningdevice is operatively associated with the pump operating lever forindicatin to the operator each pump failure, said warning devicecomprising a control element positioned to be actuated by the pump leveroperating means to efiect operation of said warning device only in theevent the pump lever fails to function.

3. A mechanism as defined in claim 2, wherein the warning deviceincludes an electric circuit having a circuit breaker therein mounted tobe operated by the pump operating means to eifect operation of thewarning device, only in the event the pump lever fails to function.

4. The combination with a line casting machine comprising a mold, a molddisk slide, a metal pot, a pump having an operating lever, a pump stoplever for normally locking the pump lever against movement, a vise jawassembly including a fixed jaw and relatively movable jaw, and a viselocking stud secured in the machine frame adapted to interlock withmeans on the vise jaw assembly to secure said assembly in line castingposition with respect to the mold, of a mechanism for preventingoperation of the pump in the event that an over-length line of matricesis inserted between the vise jaws, said mechanism including a membernormally engaged with the pump stop lever to prevent operation thereof,an element mounted for longitudinal sliding movement on the vise lockingstud, a rod having one end operatively connected to said element andhaving its opposite end connected to said locking member, an abutmentsurface on the adjacent end of the movable vise jaw, an abutment on saidelement normally positioned out of alignment with the abutment surfaceon said movable vise law, said element also having an operativeconnection with the mold disk slide whereby when a normal length line ofmatrices is inserted between the vise jaws, and the mold disk slide ismoved into casting engagement with the mold, said element is actuated tomove said abutment into alignment with the abutment surface on saidmovable vise jaw to provide a backing therefor, actuation of saidelement also causing said locking means to be operated to effect therelease of the pump stop lever and permit the pump to function, theabutment surface on the movable vise jaw being movable into the path ofthe abutment on said element to prevent actuation of said element andthe subsequent release of the pump stop lever, should an over-lengthline of matrices be inserted betwen the vise jaws.

5, The combination with a line casting machine comprising a mold, a molddisk slide, a metal pot, a pump having an operating lever, a pump stoplever for normally locking the pump lever against movement, a vise jawassembly including a fixed jaw and a relatively movable jaw, and a viselocking stud secured in the machine frame adapted to interlock withmeans on the vise jaw assembly to secure said assembly in line castingposition with respect to the mold, of a mechanism for preventingoperation of the pump in the event that an over-length line of matricesis inserted between the vice jaws, said mechanism including a membernormally engaged with the pump stop lever to prevent operation thereof,an elongated element mounted for longitudinal sliding movement on thevise locking stud, a rod slidably mounted in said stud and having oneend operatively connected to said element for direct movement therewith,the opposite end of said rod being connected to said locking memberwhereby movement of said element will impart movement to said member, aU-shaped member slidably supported on said rod and having one endoperatively connected to the mold disk slide for movement therewith, anabutment on said element normally positioned out of alignment with themovable jaw, said abutment being movable into alignment with the movablejaw to provide a backing therefor when a normal length line is insertedbetween said jaws and the mold disk slide is moved into castingposition, the connection between said U-shaped member and said rod beingsuch that should an over-length line of matrices be inserted between thevise jaws and cause the movable jaw to move outwardly beyond its normaltravel, said movable jaw will traverse the path of said abutment andprevent relative sliding movement of said element in the vise lockingstud, whereby the locking member is retained in looking engagement withthe pump stop lever to prevent operation of the pump lever in the eventthat an over-length line is inserted between the vise jaws.

6. A mechanism as defined in claim 5, wherein the U-shaped member onsaid rod is indirectly connected to the mold disk slide.

'7. A mechanism as defined in claim 5, wherein an abutment screw isadjustably secured in the end of the movable vise jaw adapted to engagethe abutment on said slidable element when a normal length line isinserted between the vise jaws, said abutment screw being movable intothe path of the abutment on said element to prevent operation thereof,in the event an over-length line is inserted between the jaws, therebyto prevent actuation of said element and the subsequent release of thepump stop lever.

8. A mechanism as defined in claim 5, wherein one end of said rod isslidabl mounted in the vise locking stud and has an operative connectionwith said slidable element, and the opposite end of said rod beingsecured to said locking member whereby axial movement of said rod bymovement of the mold disk slide into casting position will cause saidlocking membed to release the pump stop lever and permit operation ofthe pump lever, when a normal length line is inserted between the visejaws, the operative connection between the mold disk slide and said rodpermitting the movable vise jaw to move outwardly into the path of theabutment on said slidable element to prevent relative movement of saidelement and the subsequent release of the pump stop lever, in the eventan over-length line is inserted between the vise jaws.

9. The combination with a line casting machine comprising a mold, a molddisk slide, a metal pot, a pump having an operating lever, a pump stoplever for normally locking the pump lever against movement, a vise jawassembly including a fixed jaw and a relatively movable jaw, and a viselocking stud secured in the machine frame adapted to interlock withmeans on the vise jaw assembly to secure said assembly in line castingposition with reference to the mold, of an attachment for preventingoperation of the pump in the event that an over-length line of matricesis inserted between the vise jaws, said attachment including a yieldablelocking member normally engaged with the pump stop lever to preventoperation thereof, an elongated element mounted for longitudinal slidingmovement on the vise locking stud, a rod slidably mounted in said studand having one end connected to said locking member and having itsopposite end connected to said element for direct movement I5 therewith,a U-shaped member. slidably: supported on said rods and having oneendoperative- 1y connected'to the mold disk slide for movement therewithwhereby movement of the mold disk slide intocasting position. willeffectmovement of-said element" upon the vise lookingstud and thesubsequent release of'the pump stop'lever, an abutment on said elementnormall'ypositioned out of alignment with the movable vise jaw, saidabutment: being movable into. alignment. with the movable-vise jaw: toprovide abacking therefor, when a normallength line is inserted. betweenthe vise jaws and the mold diskslide is: moved into casting position,the connection. between said U-shaped member and-said rod being. suchthat should an over-length line of matrices be inserted between the visejaws and cause the movable vise jaw to moveoutwardly beyond its normallength, oftravel, said movable jaw will traverse the path. of saidabutment and prevent relative slidingmovement. of said element on thevise locking stud, whereby the locking member. is

16 retained; inulocking' engagement with the pump stop. lever to preventthe release. of the. pump lever, in. the event that. an over-lengthlineis inadvertently inserted, between the vise jaws.

JOSEPH F. HAZZARDJ. GENE R. BRUSSEAU;

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES. PATENTSNumber Name Date 659,865 Bates Oct. 16,1900 788,578 Blair May 2, 1905799,933 Paddock Sept; 19, 1905 1,259,671 Rogers Mar, 19, 1918 1,460,445Robinson July-3, 1 2,094,212 Guest Sept. 28, 1937 2,163,536 Bieber June20, 1939 2,188,988 Sundstrom et a1. Feb. 6, 1940 220L084 Freund May 14',1940 2,325,666 Czachorski Aug. 3, 1943

